His ex and aunt Carla managed to grab him as he tried to leave and told him: "Leave here and don't look back. Let it all slide off you and move on. I hope things get better for you, I really do - you deserve that."

And as finally was set to go his brother Ryan rushed out and they had a heart to heart after all they had been through.

He said: "I appreciate you gathering all the troops for a goodbye but I don’t want a fuss. You know there’s some things I wish I’d done differently but I’m still alive, aren’t I? I should go.

Ali spotted Gary with Sharon just before he left (Credit: ITV)

"Look I’ve got to come back for a court appearance, I’m still on bail so I’ll call you."

He added: "You are the best brother I could ever wish for."

But as he drove off Ali spotted Gary with Sharon in the street’s back alley and had his phone out ready to take a picture.